MMA’s Rise from Ban to Global Stage
Mixed martial arts was once banned in many countries and dismissed as too violent for mainstream audiences. Today, it has turned into one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Former UFC champion Henry Cejudo thinks this growth will not slow down anytime soon. In fact, he predicts that MMA will become the most popular sport worldwide in just 10 to 15 years.
Cejudo, often called “Triple C” for his Olympic and UFC titles, shared his views on a sports talk show. When asked about the UFC’s new $7.7 billion media rights deal with Paramount, he admitted he never thought the sport would reach this level. But he now sees MMA climbing above all other sports, even football and basketball.
The UFC’s Billion-Dollar Transformation
The growth of MMA is tied closely to the UFC’s rise. The promotion started in 1993 and was once viewed as a violent spectacle with little future. In 2001, Dana White and the Fertitta brothers bought the company for $2 million. Fifteen years later, in 2016, it was sold for over $4 billion. Less than ten years after that, the UFC struck a media deal worth nearly $8 billion.
This financial growth shows how far the sport has come. Big events like UFC 319, featuring Dricus Du Plessis against Khamzat Chimaev, now draw millions of fans around the world. The demand for such fights explains why media companies are willing to pay so much for broadcasting rights.
Why MMA Appeals to Fans Worldwide
The global rise of MMA comes from a few key reasons. First, the sport blends different fighting styles, from boxing to wrestling, which makes it exciting and unpredictable. Second, fighters often come from different countries, giving fans someone from their culture to cheer for. Third, the UFC has built a reputation for promoting fights that feel like major sporting events, similar to the Super Bowl or the World Cup.
Another reason is the connection fighters have with fans. Unlike athletes in some other sports, MMA fighters often share their struggles and backgrounds openly. Fans see them as real people, which makes the sport more personal and engaging.
Personal Analysis: Can MMA Really Become the Biggest Sport?
Cejudo’s prediction might sound bold, but there are reasons to believe it could happen. Football (soccer) still dominates worldwide, and cricket and basketball have strong global roots. However, MMA has shown that it can capture attention across cultures. The UFC now hosts events in the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, drawing large crowds everywhere.
Still, there are challenges. Combat sports often face criticism about fighter health and safety. For MMA to become the number one sport, organizations like the UFC must prove that they can protect athletes while keeping the fights exciting.
From my point of view, MMA may not completely overtake football within 10 years, but it could easily rival basketball and boxing in popularity. The pace of its growth is real, and younger fans seem especially drawn to it. With streaming and social media pushing highlights instantly around the globe, MMA has a strong chance to rise further.
Conclusion
Henry Cejudo may be right in saying that mixed martial arts could be the biggest sport in the world within the next decade or two. From being banned to signing billion-dollar media deals, the sport has shown an unmatched pace of growth. If this momentum continues, MMA might soon stand next to football as one of the world’s top sporting passions.
Sources: tmz.com
